16.01.2026 21:21
The second International Ayder Forum, held this year in Rize, took place under the snow despite winter conditions. The General Coordinator of the forum, Arif Ekşi, stated that holding the symposium in January demonstrated that organizations such as symposiums and forums can also be conducted in Ayder during the winter months. Ekşi mentioned that they organized this forum to ensure that Ayder is not only associated with summer tourism and to evaluate its tourism potential in winter as well.
The International Ayder Forum, held for the second time this year in Rize, took place with wide participation despite heavy snowfall. The forum, held under the snow, aimed to demonstrate that Ayder Plateau is open to tourism not only in the summer months but throughout the year.
"WINTER TOURISM IS ALSO POSSIBLE IN AYDER"
The General Coordinator of the forum, Arif Ekşi, stated that the event conveyed an important message regarding the diversification of tourism in Ayder and Rize, indicating that organizations such as symposiums and forums can also be held in the winter months. Ekşi said, "We are organizing this forum especially in January to ensure that Ayder is not only associated with summer tourism, but also to evaluate its tourism potential in winter. We plan to hold it every January from now on."
"OUR GUESTS ARE VERY SATISFIED"
Ekşi expressed that the participants were very pleased with the winter atmosphere of Ayder, saying, "We wanted to show that Ayder has postcard-like beauty in winter, and we succeeded. Our guests are quite happy to be here."
HEALTH THEME ON THE AGENDA NEXT YEAR
Touching on the theme of next year's forum, Ekşi announced that the health issue will be addressed in the organization to be held in 2027. Ekşi stated, "The health theme was chosen based on the foresight of our Minister. It will be planned as a comprehensive event lasting 3-4 days. The health issue will be discussed in all its aspects."
GOAL OF A SKI CENTER FOR AYDER
Ekşi also mentioned that there are efforts to transform Ayder Plateau into an internationally standard ski center, saying, "It is our wish for Ayder to be an internationally recognized ski center. Our governorship and ministry are working on projects in this regard, but it is a long-term process."
ENERGY, SECURITY, AND DIPLOMACY DISCUSSED
This year's forum was held under the title "Energy, Security, and Diplomacy." The forum was attended by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Health Kemal Memişoğlu, Minister of Economy and Energy of the TRNC Olgun Amcaoğlu, former Minister of Energy and Head of the Turkish Delegation to the CEI Fatih Dönmez, as well as local and foreign press members.
During the forum, important messages were conveyed regarding energy policies, regional security, and diplomacy, while the goal of Ayder Plateau to be a year-round tourism destination was emphasized on the international platform.